How to interpret GB

Can anyone explain to me how to interpret the GB (games back) in the standings? I couldn't figure it out, especially the .5.

Sorry for the dumb question...

thanks,
Nico

I'll use an example:

In the Central Divsion, the Pistons are ahead of the Bulls by 5.0 games. For the Bulls to even the standings, they would have to win five games, and the Pistons would have to lose the next five. It will stay the same if they both win, and if they both lose. If the Bulls win on a day that Detroit doesn't play, they will then be 4.5 games behind. If Detroit were to win the next day, the lead would be pushed back to five. If they lost, the lead would drop another .5 to four points.

Sorry if that sounded confusing.

To actually get it you take the number of games better a team is in wins, then in losses. Add them together and divide by two.

So let's say there's team A (50-20) and team B (45-25). Team A is 5 better in wins, and 5 better in losses, so 5 + 5 = 10. 10/2 = 5. Team B is 5 games behind. But if Team B was 45-26, they are 5 and 6 behind, so 5 + 6 = 11. 11/2 = 5.5. And that's where .5's coem from.

Thanks a lot, the explanation is not confusing at all. It is simpler than I thought.

see you round, (the forums)
Nico.